HUMAN SERVICES

Welcome to Lakeland Community College's human services department. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level para-professional/technical positions in a wide variety of human service agencies while also providing a firm basis for the continued professional growth of persons already in such positions.

Human service workers assist and support people in managing problems in living that may include poverty, mental illness, child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, drug abuse, illness, disability, or life transitions. Interventions are generally an interdisciplinary collaborative process that focuses on both the individual and the environment to promote the highest level of self-sufficiency possible.

Human service workers are employed at a variety of settings that include crisis intervention, assisted living, chemical dependency, mental health, mental retardation, early intervention, group homes, transitional living, social advocacy, victim's assistance, and child welfare. Examples of job titles include case manager, child advocate, community outreach worker, behavior management specialist, life skills instructor, or social work assistant.